Man's best friends - John McShane

True stories of astonishing rescues made by loving and loyal canines

For thousands of years, men and women have known who to turn to in times of trouble—a dog. All over the world dogs have risked, and often lost, their lives to look after the human beings they care for. Their intelligence, devotion, and astonishing courage to help humans in distress on countless occasions almost defy belief. Their stories range from Roselle the Labrador, who led her blind owner to safety from the carnage of the World Trade Center, to the legends of Balto and Togo, two of the huskies who traversedmore than600miles of snow and ice to bring life-saving medicine to an isolated town, and Swansea Jack, the black Labrador who rescued almost 30 people from drowning and who had a statue erected in his honor. Many of the dogs featured in this book have been specially trained to help humans, a task they eagerly set about regardless of the physical risk they face as a result. Then there are the family pets that, when danger threatens, react with total disregard for their own well-being, caring only about one thing: protecting the humans they love.